❃ tangle jar, deconstructed.

Greetings, tanglers! If you wandered onto this page by accident, you should probably first read the original blog post about the tangle jar so we're all on the same page.

The lists on this page contain all of the tangle patterns from Maria's CZT guide and from the 2013 edition of the tanglepatterns.com PDF (you get a free clickable digital copy with a $12+ donation). The patterns are sorted into categories, listed by the color of cardstock I originally used to write them on:

✿ PINK: Patterns that require grids, dots, or other rigid structure in order to work.

✿ YELLOW: Flowy, randomly placed, freeform patterns.

✿ GREEN: Patterns that are good for strings or borders.

I have nixed the green category because any pattern can be used as a border if you're willing to get a little creative, but I listed it here to eliminate confusion because it's in the original blog post. I thought it was interesting that nearly all of the border patterns came from the yellow list.

✿ ORANGE: This list contains around a hundred buzzwords, phrases, or specific directions to apply to the tangles you pick from the jar.

This is meant to be an artistic/creative exercise. Rick and Maria created and shared the Zentangle method so that we might have a relaxing, distracting way to refocus our minds. This idea is not necessarily in line with their method. This is something I created for myself, meant to challenge me and make me look at the patterns I already knew in new ways. When I first created it I never really thought about sharing it, but the Zentangle method (and the community that embraces it) has enriched my life so much that I feel a strong desire to give back.

This list is my intellectual property. I would be honored if you decided to give it a whirl. I only ask two things: 1) Please do not repost this list anywhere on the internet, in whole or in part (although you can post a link to this page if you want to) and 2) please do not sell it, in any form.

String your tile, count the sections, choose your tangle patterns, then pick a couple of these out of a jar so that your selection is random. Then try to run with it, no matter what it says. Obviously, you’ll have to be very creative with some of them. Be inspired... have fun... and no cursing my name ;o)

Absolutely astounding. thank you for sharing your project with us. I will definitely use it in my advanced classes. Sorting the patterns is a question that has come up a number of times. The information shared in this group simply blows me away. Your generosity is amazing and I'm a very grateful CZT.

I axed the green category because all but one or two of the patterns were already in the yellow list, which meant most of them were in the jar twice. Since almost any pattern can be used as a border, it was both redundant and too limiting to keep the green list as a separate category. Pull your border patterns from the yellow list and you will have the same effect with less work. Happy tangling-

Wow!!!! You are amazing! This is so wonderful that you ate generous enough to share with us! I have recently tried to "sort" tangles into categories, so I had a go to when needing a certain type to fill an area. You've out done yourself. (humbly bowing

That an amazing post, Sandy, and I can't imagine the amount of work that went it to it. It's so kind of you to share. I'm a newbie and this might be a bit beyond me yet (the jar exercise) but I'm very thankful for the organization categories (i have too many and can't find anything). I'm sure, in time, the jar will make a very stimulating activity. Thank you so much!

love the tangle jar!! now if I could find the patterns from your very comprehensive list I would be a very happy camper!I bought the tanglebook only to find I had most of the patterns already and that your list has a great deal more than the book. can you please help me find more from the list??? melmgh@yahoo.com

Hi Melody. A few of them are my personal favorites, plucked from the blogs of fellow CZTs and Zentangle enthusiasts. It's likely that most of the ones you can't find are patterns that (were created by founders Rick and Maria and) are reserved for CZTs to teach in our workshops. Try googling the pattern name with the word 'zentangle' after it to find the ones that are published in blogs.

Here's a current list of all the 'official' Zentangle patterns:http://tanglepatterns.com/zentangles/list-of-official-tangle-patternsThe names that don't link to anywhere are the ones we save for workshops. Hope that helps.

Thank-you for sharing this! It solves the same problem for me where I just draw the same patterns over and over again. I finally finished mine. It was a lot of work, even when you've already done most of the work for me by giving the directions so well! http://meggletangle.blogspot.ca/2013/09/zendala-dare-73-and-finished-tangle-box.html

• ❃ • ❋ • ❁ • ✿ • ✽ • ❀ • I have comment moderation turned on to filter out all the spammy flotsam, so submitted comments will not appear until after they squeeze by the spam filter (that would be me). ;o) If you'd like a reply, please email me and I will reply posthaste by pigeon or owl within the month (possibly longer, depending on distance and weather conditions).

what is zentangle?

Zentangle is a method of creating intricate artwork by drawing structured patterns, one line at a time. It brings out latent creativity, increases focus, boosts self-esteem, and provides an artistic outlet that is simple, inexpensive, and portable. Focusing on the task at hand so completely creates a kind of vacant awareness in the mind, an open door that allows creativity to pour through. This art is a beautiful byproduct of complete mental immersion in the process of 'tangling'.
The Zentangle® method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and is copyrighted.